Idaho

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Idaho by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on Idaho’s Secretary of State website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Idaho Secretary of State website. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit your county clerk’s office and register there in person. You must register 25 days before the election.
• On Election Day: Idaho has same-day voter registration. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at your polling place.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, in-person, or during same-day voter registration. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

Remember that the deadline to change your voter registration is 25 days before the election.

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Idaho varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared with your Idaho Driver's License number, Idaho Identification Card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Registering to vote by mail

Enter your driver's license number. If you have no driver's license, enter the last 4 digits of your social security number.

Registering to vote online

You will need a current and valid Driver's License or Identification Card issued by the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles

Registering to vote on Election Day

Bring a document with a valid address in your precinct and photo identification. Options may include an Idaho's driver license or Idaho ID card, US passport, tribal photo ID, Idaho student ID, license to carry a concealed weapon issued by Idaho. Showing any document which contains a valid address in the precinct together with a picture identification card will be accepted

Registering to vote during in person during early voting

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Idaho can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Idaho’s voter registration page on their Secretary of State website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Idaho, regular registration closes 25 days before an election. After regular registration closes, same-day registration is available at absentee voting locations until 5pm of the Friday before Election Day. Same-day registration is also available at polling places on Election Day.

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Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Idaho has same-day voter registration. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at a polling place. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

Yes, in Idaho, you can complete voter registration during early voting. At your early voting location, be sure to register to vote before completing your ballot. Although you will be able to register to vote in person, you will not register to vote online or by mail after the voter registration deadline has passed.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Idaho residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a U.S. Citizen,
• Have resided in Idaho and in the county for thirty (30) days prior to the day of election
• Be at least 18 years old

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Idaho gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but your party choice can affect which primary election races you are eligible to vote in.

You can submit a signed form to your county clerk to change your political party affiliation or become “unaffiliated”. The following deadlines apply to party changes leading up to a primary election.

If You Are Currently Affiliated With A Party

The signed form is due to the county clerk before the 10th Friday preceding the primary election.

If You Are Currently Unaffiliated And Want To Affiliate

Unaffiliated voters can affiliate with a party on or before the primary Election Day. You can declare your party preference when checking in with a poll worker or submitting a party affiliation form to the county clerk.